stuck in the middle...

the BtVS characters of the West Wing

(This will be of limited interest to those who aren't fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and The West Wing.)

So, the husband and I were talking, yet again, about the fact that he likes Sam Seaborn and I don't. And I referred to Sam as "the Riley Finn of West Wing".

He pointed out that Sam's character was supposed to be the interesting one, until the interesting role got taken over by Josh - and that "Josh is probably the Spike". To which my instant reaction was "Of course not! CJ Cregg is the Spike!"

...much discussion ensued.

Sam Seaborn = Riley. A likeable, well-principled, all-American guy - who is, in consequence, kinda boring. (They both also have been known to end up in questionable situations with hookers, FTR.)

CJ Cregg = Spike. Quick-witted, snarky, and able to read other's emotions extremely well. Has a very enthusiastic fanbase.

Leo McGarry = Giles. Older male with life experience, and a dry wit. Tends to give advice to Buffy (or West Wing's equivalent - we'll get there), and also arrange things on her behalf.

Jed Bartlet = Buffy. Heroic, leaderly, and very much the central character in people's minds. Has the weight of the world on his shoulders - but overdramatises this, and will get gently told off for doing so.

Toby Ziegler = Xander. Sees himself as a Speaker Of Truth To Power, and does his best to do this to the main character, with mixed results.

and finally...

Josh Lyman = Willow. The go-to guy (or "the guy that the guy counts on" as it's put in West Wing), who is extremely talented but capable of screwing up in spectacular fashion. Also has a whole parade of love interests who are very fun and likeable people.

I would be interested to hear how very wrong I am, and why clearly it should be arranged in a different order...